The Delta is not getting enough love from state lawmakers or Mississippi’s governors, said one Delta representative after both the state House and Senate passed the economic development package that is intended to help seal the deal to bring an electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant to Marshall County.
“West of I-55 is often forgotten and east of I-55 is often highlighted,” said Rep. Jon Hines, of Washington, Bolivar and Issaquena counties. “We deserve the same amount of money and investment to turn our community around!”
Hines said governor after governor has ignored Delta counties when it comes to projects that could employ hundreds, or in this case thousands of people, with the exception of Haley Barbour, whom Hinds says was responsible for helping with a small project.
“Those who live on the west side of 55 deserve quality education, quality healthcare and prosperity through economic development.,” he said.
Education is part of the package, with some of the money going to ensure that Mississippians are trained to be part of the workforce for the joint venture between Cummins, Daimler and PACCAR, which will each own 30 percent of the plant, and a China-based lithium battery company, which will own 10 percent.
About half of the money will go toward ensuring there is enough land, a sewer and water infrastructure and an interchange to connect the area to Hwy. 72
